SB173 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tom Whatley

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Dogs, used for agricultural work, exempt from local leash laws, exception

Summary

SB 173 would exempt agricultural work dogs from local leash and restraint laws, with an exception for wildlife management areas.

What This Bill Does

It says that an agricultural work dog or a hunting dog does not have to follow local leash or restraint rules when the dog is engaged in agricultural work or hunting. It defines what counts as an agricultural work dog and what counts as a hunting dog. The exemption does not apply in wildlife management areas. The act would take effect on the first day of the third month after it is passed and approved by the Governor.

Who It Affects

• Farmers, ranchers, and others who use agricultural work dogs to herd, protect livestock, or assist in farm work (they would not be required to leash these dogs during work).
• Hunters who use hunting dogs (their hunting dogs would not be required to be leashed while hunting).

Key Provisions

• Definition: Agricultural work dog – any dog trained to herd or protect livestock or to assist in agricultural work and actually or historically used for such purposes.
• Definition: Hunting dog – any dog trained to hunt wild game with a handler.
• Exemption: Local leash/restraint laws do not apply to an agricultural work dog or hunting dog when the dog is engaged in agricultural work or hunting.
• Exception: The exemption does not apply in wildlife management areas.
• Effective date: Becomes effective on the first day of the third month after its passage and approval by the Governor.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Animals